Faversham Strike Force boss Gary Axford says returning to the town boosted their unexpected Southern Counties East Division 1 promotion bid

Faversham Strike Force manager Gary Axford believes returning to the town gave his side extra impetus after their unexpected promotion bid was ended by Lydd in the play-offs.

After several campaigns spent in exile, Force sealed a groundshare deal with Faversham Town last year, which has recently been renewed.

It coincided with their first promotion to Southern Counties East Division 1, which they took by storm to finish the season in fourth place.

That meant a place in the play-off Semi-Finals but it proved a step too far last Wednesday after they slipped to a 4-2 defeat at a Lydd side bolstered by a host of dual-registration signings.

In front of a hostile crowd, Force goalkeeper Harry Earls could feel wronged after a challenge - which left him nursing a black eye - wasn’t called a foul in the lead-up to Lydd’s opening goal.

Ali Wren popped up to equalise for Strike Force before the half-time interval but Lydd - who were defeated 3-0 by Strike Force two weeks previously - fired three unanswered goals before Jack Sayer teed up fellow substitute Kane Taylor for a consolation.

“The side has exceeded expectations this season and established themselves as a contender in this division,” said proud boss Axford.

“We have a great squad of players and I have no doubt they will be competing for promotion again next season.

“Being back in Faversham this season and playing in front of an average of 100 fans every week has been brilliant.

“So, while the defeat was hard to take, everything is looking extremely positive for next year.”